#MAGFAB: Jennifer Hudson Cover W Magazine’s 2022 Best Performances Issue
The highly-anticipated Best Performances portfolio is an annual feature curated by W’s editor-at-large Lynn Hirschberg and highlights stars at the forefront of cinema, from industry legends and icons to those whose phenomenal talent is ushering in a new wave of stardom.
Paying tribute to the actors who left us in awe over the past year, this year’s Best Performance issue features Jennifer Hudson in a unique covers photographed by Tim Walker and styled by W Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Sara Moonves.
This year’s films, many shot amid the pandemic, have a common theme celebrating family in all its forms – from the corrosive and complicated, ambitious and sexy, to joyous, close and rebellious – their performances were vibrant, captivating, mesmerizing, devastating, intimate, complex and so much more and we are beyond excited to share these gorgeous covers with you.
Jennifer Hudson
Sharing how Aretha Franklin herself chose her for the role: “Over 15 years ago, we had a breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton in New York City, and that was our first sit-down meeting about me portraying her. Eight years after that, she called and said, ‘I’ve made my decision, and it is you.’ It was exciting, but also the scariest thing.”
Remembering her first job: “I worked for the Disney Cruise Line. I was Calliope, the head muse in Hercules, the musical. I also did the ‘Circle of Life’ solo, as Mother Earth, in Disney Dreams. I thought, If I can get through this cruise contract, I can go audition for American Idol. But if I can’t get through this, I should go home. And I made it. So here I am.”
Recalling her audition for American Idol: “My introduction to the world was ‘Share Your Love With Me,’ by Ms. Aretha Franklin. And I got the golden ticket.”
Her go-to karaoke song: “‘I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),’ by Aretha. People are like, ‘Jennifer, this isn’t fair!’ But in my family, we take music seriously. So even with karaoke, it’s not a game.”
W Magazine’s first issue of 2022, Volume 1, Best Performances, hits stands February 8, 2022
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#RHOA: NeNe Leakes Says she is ‘Open’ to Marriage After Gregg’s Death
After losing Gregg Leakes last year, The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum NeNe Leakes is reportedly "open" to the idea of getting married again. NeNe is happily in love with her new boyfriend Nyonisela Sioh and so much so that the OG housewife isn't opposed to walking down the aisle again. The new revelation comes just five months after NeNe lost her husband of went years to cancer. It looks like NeNe doesn't plan on being a widow for too long.
NeNe has been facing criticism for how quickly she rebounded after losing Gregg. Her husband passed away in September and by her birthday in December, NeNe was debuting her new beau. Many have blasted NeNe for displaying PDA with Nyoni so soon after Gregg's death. But NeNe has been ignoring the shade and continues to tease her happiness with Nyoni. The African fashion designer reportedly has NeNe on cloud nine and is helping her heal in Gregg's absence.
The Linnethia Lounge owner is so smitten with Nyoni and sources say she's "absolutely open to marriage again." NeNe has been healing in her own way since Gregg's passing and "is really happy and in a great place as she begins starting this next chapter of her life," an insider told People. Between Nyoni and NeNe's friends, the TV star is fully supported as she continues mourning over the loss of Gregg. "She's been leaning heavily on her girlfriends these last few months and when she's not with Nyonisela, she's with them whether it's in Atlanta or other places," the source said. Her circle is making sure that NeNe doesn't spend too much time by herself.
Nyoni is reportedly doing an amazing job of keeping NeNe happy despite being a widow. "Nene is totally into him," the insider added. "He's wining and dining her. They're very much already in love." NeNe continues to show off her new relationship on social media. She recently posted a tribute to Nyoni saying how "grateful" she is for the way he has been tending to her these last few months. Insiders say the relationship is exactly what NeNe needs after losing Gregg. Ahead of Gregg's passing, NeNe was his caretaker and spent a lot of her time tending to her husband. NeNe has shared the blessing she received from Gregg to date after he passed.
The Swagg Boutique owner has been doing just that. She ignored rumors that linked her to a much younger man on social media. The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum isn't shying away from displaying her happiness in her new romance. While some might think she moved on too fast, NeNe isn't letting the criticism phase her. So much has changed in her life since she last appeared on the show. Hopefully, she's considering a return on another network to give her fans a chance to catch up on the life of NeNe.
#MusicNews: Raheem DeVaughn To Introduce Bee Boy$oul On His Upcoming Album “Back 2 Love”
We first got a taste of the artistry of Bee Boy$oul on his work on the remix to Raheem DeVaughn’s hit single “Mr. Midnight” last year. Now Raheem will officially help introduce the musician and producer on his upcoming album “Raheem DeVaughn Presents Bee Boy$oul’s Back 2 Love”.
You can check out the new single “Sugar Love” featuring The Hamiltones. Bee Boy$oul adds about the song:
“One of my personal favorites on the album. Sugar Love” is a song that I co-wrote and produced. After meeting and forming a relationship with soulful trio, The Hamiltones, I decided to invite them to co-write and perform the record for this project. They are an undeniable singing force whose harmonies warm the ear as well as the heart.”
The project will officially release on January 21st, 2022 via the New Era Soul/MrBawsaw Music & Media Group Under Exclusive License To SRG Records. It will include guest appearances from Raheem DeVaughn, Dwele, The Hamiltones, Eric Roberson, Radio B, Fan Ran, Carmen Rodgers, Wes Felton, Vandell Andrew and Rah Brown.
Here is the official tracklist:
1. D.R.I.L.Y. featuring Radio B & Fan Ran
2. WANNA BE (Where You Are) featuring Carmen Rodgers
3. SUGAR LOVE featuring The Hamiltones
4. SPECIFIC ANTICIPATION featuring Rah Brown
5. STAY THE NIGHT featuring Raheem DeVaughn
6. BACK 2 LOVE featuring Eric Roberson, Raheem DeVaughn, & Dwele
7. LOVE EXPLAINED featuring Wes Felton & Yahzarah St James
8. N.F.L. featuring The Crossrhodes & Vandell Andrew
9. A LOVELY DAY featuring Eric Roberson
10. MR MIDNIGHT WINTER TIME REMIX featuring Raheem DeVaughn
Make sure you check this out.
#HipHopNews: Joe Budden Appears To Call Earl Sweatshirt’s New Album ‘Bullsh*t’
Joe Budden appears to have shared his negative review of Earl Sweatshirt’s new album, Sick!, during a rant on his podcast.
On the latest episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, which premiered on Sunday (Jan. 16) on YouTube, viewers and people on social media believe the rapper-turned-podcaster sneakily bleeped out Earl’s name when discussing the former Odd Future member’s just-released project.
“I’m just being honest this year,” Joe began his diatribe. “Hell no, I ain’t hear that bullshit! And I’ll tell you what, I’m never gonna hear ’em! I am never gonna hear that. I don’t care [that it’s mixed]. That shit could be [Michael Jackson’s] Thriller. When would I put that on?”
When cohost Parks Vallely mentioned that rappers' music shouldn’t be played in front of people who may not be fans of those particular artists, Budden cuts him off and states, “Don’t defend it too fast. I wanna keep shitting on it for a little while and then jump right in. I don’t know if I am [afraid to say names]. When I’m not saying a name, it’s to protect you guys’ sanctity. But I’m never listening to [Earl], ever.”
However, Joe Budden acknowledged that Earl did a great impersonation of him on Odd Future’s Adult Swim show Loiter Squad in 2014. But, in the end, the New Jersey rhymer is not in the mood to hear any rhymes from Earl.
Later, Joe doubled-down on his remarks about Earl but insisted that he’s not listening to Sick!
“That’s my nigga [Earl], too, man,” he said. “But I ain’t listening to that shit. Is [Earl] on Tyler’s last album? Is [Earl] on Tyler’s album before that album? How about the one before that one?"
"All right, yo. Forget it, but you expect me to listen to it," he continued. "Nigga man won’t call him to come to the fucking studio. Yo, when your man stop inviting you to the studio, you’re not getting me to listen to what you’re doing. Sorry, that’s like a rule of thumb for me.”
Fans caught wind of Joe bleeping out Earl’s name and questioned the podcaster’s weird tactic.
"Crying at them bleeping Earl name but still referencing Tyler like we wouldn’t put 2+2 together," wrote one user in the YouTube comment section.
Another user criticized Joe’s music and wondered why he’s hating on Earl.
"Has Joe ever heard his own music before? Bad production, dark lyrics and rapping about rapping. [Lol] So the Earl hate is hilarious. Lol," the person said.
While listeners may appreciate Joe’s honest take on music, it left many others scratching their heads as to why he would bleep out an artist’s name.
#RIP: FASHION ICON Andre Leon Talley Dead - Former Vogue Creative Director & Editor-at-Large Dies at 73
Andre Leon Talley has sadly passed away. The legendary fashion editor passed away at the age of 73 on Tuesday (January 18) at a hospital in White Plains, New York, TMZ reports.
Andre started his career in the fashion industry in 1974, apprenticing for late Vogue Editor-in-Chief Diana Vreeland at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After working at several different fashion magazines, Andre was hired as the Fashion News Director at Vogue from 1983 until 1987. He was named Creative Director of the magazine, holding the position from 1988 until 1995.
In 1998, Andre returned to Vogue where he worked as the Editor-at-Large until 2013.
Shortly after news of Andre‘s passing broke, fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg took to Instagram to honor her late friend.
“Good bye darling André ❤️🙏… no one saw the world in a more glamorous way than you did ❤️🙏… no one was grander and more soulful than you were ❤️🙏…the world will be less joyfulI ❤️🙏 I have loved you and laughed with you for 45 years…. I miss your loud screams …I love you soooo much ❤️🙏” Diane wrote.
Our thoughts are with Andre Leon Talley‘s loved ones during this difficult time.
Sidney Poitier Died Of Heart Failure, Dementia And Prostate Cancer
New details have been released about Sidney Poitier’s passing. According to TMZ, the legendary actor died from a combination of heart failure, Alzheimer’s dementia and prostate cancer.
The Bahamian-American star was 94.
Poitier rose to fame during Hollywood’s Golden Age and went on to have a 71-year career.
Throughout his career, he earned an Oscar and starred in more than 50 films. In addition to winning an Oscar, Poitier became the first black man to win an Academy Award for Best Actor.
He first appeared on-screen in 1947 as an extra in Sepia Cinderella. His most notable roles include The Defiant Ones, Porgy and Bess, Paris Blues, To Sir, With Love, In the Heat of the Night, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. He portrayed Walter Lee Younger in the 1961 film adaption of A Raisin in the Sun, one of the most famous black stories to ever be told.
The actor also spent some time behind the camera, directing films from the early ’70s to the early ’90s. He also made television appearances on CBS Television Workshop and Omnibus.
Poitier lived to hear the announcement of a Broadway play about his outstanding life and career. The play was announced just last month. His family has reportedly agreed to allow the show to go on.
Sidney Poitier will forever be remembered for his remarkable talent, along with his ability to break racial barriers in the film industry.
Why Did Keith Powers And Ryan Destiny Break Up?
On January 18, the news of Keith Powers and Ryan Destiny’s split was confirmed. But why did the couple break up?
Keith and Ryan had been together for four years before the pair confirmed their split. The news has left many fans shocked and some have even taken to social media to express their thoughts.
Despite their decision to go their separate ways, it looks like the pair are still good friends.
While Keith and Ryan have not made an official statement, a source close to the couple told People that the pair broke up to concentrate on their career.
The source said: “They’re taking time to focus on themselves and their emerging careers but are remaining close friends.” It is unclear when the pair broke up.
However, it looks like they are ready to be in each other’s life even though they have decided to go their separate ways.
The pair first met each other in 2015 at a Teen Vogue party. While their romance gradually developed, Keith and Ryan decided to keep their romance away from the media.
Opening about their relationship to Teen Vogue, Ryan said: “We’re definitely more strategic than people think we are. When we first started dating, we were in the private stage, but still wanting to share that we were together. As time has gone on, we’ve moved back from [posting about each other] because we saw that the more that you put out, the more that people feel like they can be in your business.”
Meanwhile, in another interview, Keith spoke about his love for Ryan and said: “I realized I was in love when I knew my life would be extremely affected in a negative way if Ryan wasn’t in it. Loving someone is a very natural feeling that just happens. You can’t just wake up and SAY I love this person, you FEEL it. You realize like wow, this person is a piece of me and regardless you don’t ever want that person out of your life.”
We have reached out to Keith and Ryan for an official statement.
2022 Grammys rescheduled to April, moves to Las Vegas
The Grammy Awards have been rescheduled to a new date and moved to a new city.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the prestigious award show will take place on April 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Vegas. “We are excited to take the Grammys to Las Vegas for the very first time, and to put on a world class show,” Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement. “From the moment we announced the postponement of the original show date, we have been inundated with heartfelt messages of support and solidarity from the artist community. We are humbled by their generosity and grateful for their unwavering commitment to the Grammy Awards and the Academy’s mission.”
Mason also said more details regarding other Grammy-related events, including Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party and MusiCares’ Person of the Year gala, will be disclosed soon.
As previously reported, the Grammys, which will be hosted by Trevor Noah, were postponed from its original Jan. 31 date due to the rising COVID-19 cases.
“After careful consideration and analysis with city and state officials, health and safety experts, the artist community and our many partners, the Recording Academy and CBS have postponed the 64th annual Grammy Awards show,” an Academy spokesperson said in a statement to Variety earlier this month. “The health and safety of those in our music community, the live audience and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly to produce our show remains our top priority. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant, holding the show on January 31st simply contains too many risks. We look forward to celebrating Music’s Biggest Night on a future date, which will be announced soon.”
Jon Batiste is leading this year’s Grammy nominations with a whopping 11 nominations. H.E.R. and Doja Cat are the most-nominated female artists, each snagging eight nods. JAY-Z earned three nods, making him the most-nominated artist in the award show’s history, surpassing Quincy Jones.
The Nominations for The 53rd NAACP Image Award are Here!
Nominations for the 53rd annual NCAAP Awards were announced Tuesday, with major award contenders Jennifer Hudson and Halle Berry leading the charge while Netflix dominated most categories.
This year’s nominees were announced in a virtual event on the NAACP Awards’ Instagram channel hosted by actress-musician Kyla Pratt, Black-ish actor Marcus Scribner and singer-songwriter Tinashe.
A full list of this year’s nominees follows.
Outstanding Comedy Series
black-ish (ABC)
Harlem (Amazon Studios)
Insecure (HBO)
Run the World (Starz)
The Upshaws (Netflix)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Anthony Anderson – black-ish (ABC)
Cedric the Entertainer – The Neighborhood (CBS)
Don Cheadle – Black Monday (Showtime)
Elisha ‘EJ’ Williams – The Wonder Years (ABC)
Jay Ellis – Insecure (HBO)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Issa Rae – Insecure (HBO)
Loretta Devine – Family Reunion (Netflix)
Regina Hall – Black Monday (Showtime)
Tracee Ellis Ross – black-ish (ABC)
Yvonne Orji – Insecure (HBO)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Andre Braugher – Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC)
Deon Cole – black-ish (ABC)
Kenan Thompson – Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Kendrick Sampson – Insecure (HBO)
Laurence Fishburne – black-ish (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Amanda Seales – Insecure (HBO)
Jenifer Lewis – black-ish (ABC)
Marsai Martin – black-ish (ABC)
Natasha Rothwell – Insecure (HBO)
Wanda Sykes – The Upshaws (Netflix)
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Ashley Nicole Black – Ted Lasso, “Do the Right-est Thing”
Issa Rae – Insecure, “Everything’s Gonna Be, Okay?!”
Leann Bowen – Ted Lasso, “Lavender”
Maya Erskine – PEN15, “Blue in Green”
Temi Wilkey – Sex Education, “Episode #3.6”
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
Bashir Salahuddin, Diallo Riddle – South Side, “Tornado”
Melina Matsoukas – Insecure, “Reunited, Okay?!”
Neema Barnette – Harlem, “Once Upon A Time in Harlem”
Prentice Penny – Insecure, “Everything’s Gonna Be, Okay?!”
Tiffany Johnson – Black Monday, “Eight!”
Outstanding Drama Series
9-1-1 (FOX)
All American (The CW)
Godfather of Harlem (EPIX)
Pose (FX Network)
Queen Sugar (OWN)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Billy Porter – Pose (FX Network)
Damson Idris – Snowfall (FX Network)
Forest Whitaker – Godfather of Harlem (EPIX)
Kofi Siriboe – Queen Sugar (OWN)
Sterling K. Brown – This is Us (NBC)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Angela Bassett – 9-1-1 (FOX)
Dawn-Lyen Gardner – Queen Sugar (OWN)
Octavia Spencer – Truth Be Told (Apple TV+)
Queen Latifah – The Equalizer (CBS)
Rutina Wesley – Queen Sugar (OWN)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Alex R. Hibbert – The Chi (Showtime)
Cliff “Method Man” Smith – Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)
Daniel Ezra – All American (The CW)
Giancarlo Esposito – Godfather of Harlem (EPIX)
Joe Morton – Our Kind of People (FOX)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Alfre Woodard – SEE (Apple TV+)
Bianca Lawson – Queen Sugar (OWN)
Chandra Wilson – Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
Mary J. Blige – Power Book II: Ghost (Starz)
Susan Kelechi Watson – This is Us (NBC)
Outstanding Guest Performance, Comedy or Drama Series
Alani “La La” Anthony – The Chi (Showtime)
Christina Elmore – Insecure (HBO)
Daniel Kaluuya – Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Erika Alexander – Run the World (Starz)
Maya Rudolph – Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Aurin Squire – Evil, “C Is For Cop”
Davita Scarlett – The Good Fight, “And the Firm Had Two Partners…”
Malcolm Spellman – The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, “New World Order”
Nkechi Okoro Carroll – All American, “Homecoming”
Steven Canals, Janet Mock, Our Lady J, Brad Falchuk, Ryan Murphy – Pose, “Series Finale”
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
Anthony Hemingway – Genius: Aretha, “Respect”
Barry Jenkins – The Underground Railroad, “Indiana Winter”
Carl Seaton – Snowfall, “Fight or Flight”
Carl Seaton – Godfather of Harlem, “The Bonanno Split”
Hanelle Culpepper – True Story, “Like Cain Did Abel”
Outstanding TV-Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special
Colin in Black & White – (Netflix)
Genius: Aretha – (National Geographic)
Love Life – (HBO Max)
Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia – (Lifetime)
The Underground Railroad – (Amazon Studios)
Outstanding Actor in a TV-Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special
Anthony Mackie – Solos (Amazon Studios)
Jaden Michael – Colin in Black & White (Netflix)
Kevin Hart – True Story (Netflix)
Wesley Snipes – True Story (Netflix)
William Jackson Harper – Love Life (HBO Max)
Outstanding Actress in a TV-Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special
Betty Gabriel – Clickbait (Netflix)
Cynthia Erivo – Genius: Aretha (National Geographic)
Danielle Brooks – Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (Lifetime)
Jodie Turner-Smith – Anne Boleyn (AMC+)
Taraji P. Henson – Annie Live! (NBC)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Courtney B. Vance – Genius: Aretha (National Geographic)
Keith David – Black As Night (Amazon Studios)
Tituss Burgess – Annie Live! (NBC)
Will Catlett – True Story (Netflix)
William Jackson Harper – The Underground Railroad (Amazon
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Anika Noni Rose – Maid (Netflix)
Natasha Rothwell – The White Lotus (HBO)
Pauletta Washington – Genius: Aretha (National Geographic)
Regina Hall – Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu)
Sheila Atim – The Underground Railroad (Amazon
Outstanding Writing in a TV-Movie or Special
Abdul Williams – Salt-N-Pepa (Lifetime Movie Network)
Mario Miscione , Marcella Ochoa – Madres (Amazon Studios)
Monique N. Matthew – A Holiday In Harlem (Hallmark Channel)
Sameer Gardezi – Hot Mess Holiday (Comedy Central)
Sherman Payne – Black As Night (Amazon Studios)
Outstanding Directing in a TV-Movie or Special
Jaffar Mahmood – Hot Mess Holiday (Comedy Central)
Kenny Leon – Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (Lifetime)
Mario Van Peebles – Salt-N-Pepa (Lifetime)
Maritte Lee Go – Black As Night (Amazon Studios)
Veronica Rodriguez – Let’s Get Merried (VH1)
Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, TV-Movie or Limited Series)
Alayah “Lay Lay” High – That Girl Lay Lay (Nickelodeon)
Celina Smith – Annie Live! (NBC)
Elisha ‘EJ’ Williams – The Wonder Years (ABC)
Eris Baker – This Is Us (NBC)
Miles Brown – `black-ish (ABC)
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
Blood on Black Wall Street: The Legacy of the Tulsa Massacre (NBC)
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (NBC)
Soul of A Nation (ABC)
The Reidout (MSNBC)
Unsung (TV One)
Outstanding Talk Series
Desus & Mero (Showtime)
Hart to Heart (Peacock)
Red Table Talk (Facebook Watch)
Tamron Hall (Syndicated)
The Real (Syndicated)
Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show
Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
Iyanla: Fix My Life (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
Sweet Life: Los Angeles (HBO Max)
The Voice (NBC)
Wild ‘n Out (VH1)
Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)
A Black Lady Sketch Show (HBO)
BET Awards 2021 (BET)
Dave Chappelle: The Closer (Netflix)
Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3 (Amazon Studios)
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)
Outstanding Children’s Program
Ada Twist, Scientist (Netflix)
Family Reunion (Netflix)
Karma’s World (Netflix)
Raven’s Home (Disney Channel)
Waffles + Mochi (Netflix)
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special)
Joy Reid – The Reidout
Daniel “Desus Nice” Baker, Joel “The Kid Mero” Martinez – Desus & Mero
Garcelle Beauvais, Adrienne Houghton, Loni Love, Jeannie Mai Jenkins – The Real
Jada Pinkett Smith, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, Willow Smith – Red Table Talk
LeBron James – The Shop: Uninterrupted
Outstanding Host in a Reality, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special)
Alfonso Ribeiro – America’s Funniest Home Videos
Amber Ruffin – The Amber Ruffin Show
Cedric The Entertainer – 73rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
Iyanla Vanzant – Iyanla: Fix My Life
Trevor Noah – The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Outstanding Animated Series
Big Mouth (Netflix)
Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz (Kweli TV)
Super Sema (YouTube Originals)
We The People (Netflix)
Yasuke (Netflix)
Outstanding TV Character Voice-Over Performance
Angela Bassett – Malika: The Lion Queen
Billy Porter – Fairfax
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges – Karma’s World
Cree Summer – Rugrats
Keke Palmer – Big Mouth
Outstanding Short Form Series, Comedy or Drama
Between the Scenes – The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
Dark Humor (Comedy Central / YouTube)
Della Mae (AspireTV)
The Disney Launchpad: Shorts Incubator (Disney+)
Two Sides: Unfaithful (Snapchat)
Outstanding Short Form Series, Reality/Nonfiction
Life By The Horns (Snapchat)
Memory Builds The Monument (Fifth Ward CRC)
Widen the Screen: 8:46 Films (BET)
Through Our Eyes: Shelter (HBO Max)
Lynching Postcards: Token of a Great Day (Paramount+)
Outstanding Breakthrough TV Creative
Angel Kristi Williams – Colin in Black & White
Cierra Glaude – Queen Sugar
Deborah Riley Draper – The Legacy of Black Wall Street
Halcyon Person – Karma’s World
Quyen Tran – Maid
Outstanding TV Documentary
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything (Apple TV+)
American Masters: How It Feels to Be Free (PBS)
Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali (Netflix)
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (Netflix)
Insecure Documentary (HBO)
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)
Andre Gaines – The One and Only Dick Gregory (Showtime)
Dawn Porter – Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer (National Geographic)
Sam Pollard – MLK/FBI (IFC Films)
Samantha Knowles, Yoruba Richen, Geeta Gandbhir, Nadia Hallgren – Black and Missing (HBO)
Spike Lee – NYC Epicenters 9/11?2021½ (HBO Max)
Entertainer of the Year
Jennifer Hudson
Lil Nas X
Megan Thee Stallion
Regina King
Tiffany Haddish
The NAACP Image Awards will air live on BET on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 8/7c, and be hosted by black-ish‘s Anthony Anderson.
Michael Weatherly Announces 'Bull' Will End With Season Six on CBS
CBS has revealed that Bull will not go beyond season six.
Series star Michael Weatherly made the announcement to fans on Twitter, as the network shared a statement about the end of the legal drama.
“For six seasons, Bull has established itself as a ratings winner with its fresh take on the judicial process never before seen on television,” the network shared. “We extend our thanks to the talented cast, Michael Weatherly, Geneva Carr, Yara Martinez, Jaime Lee Kirchner, Christopher Jackson, MacKenzie Meehan, the incredible creative team led by Kathryn Price and Nichole Millard, and our hard working crew, for bringing to life these innovative stories. We also thank our loyal viewers and look forward to providing them with a final run of compelling episodes filled with the humor, intelligence and twists that have made the drama a fan favorite.”
Inspired by the career of Dr. Phil McGraw, Bull centered on Dr. Jason Bull (Weatherly), the charming and cocky founder of successful trial consulting firm Trial Analysis Corporation, where he and his team of experts employ psychology, human intuition and high-tech data to understand jurors, lawyers, witnesses and defendants, and construct effective narratives to help their clients win.
Over the past year, Bull has been at the center of a few controversies, involving a toxic work environment which saw one original star and showrunner leave, as well as a sexual harassment case with Eliza Dushku.
Kyrie Irving stands "rooted" in his anti-vaccine stance
Kyrie Irving, who was previously benched for his anti-vaxx stance, is standing firm in his decision to remain unvaccinated. After the Brooklyn Net’s 114-107 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday (Jan. 17), he revealed that nothing — not even Kevin Durant‘s current knee injury — would change his mind about the COVID-19 shot.
“That’s what I think comes into a lot of this culture and basketball and sport and entertainment,” Irving told reporters. “You bring in teams and you bring in situations. Kev’s going to heal, Kev’s going to be OK, and we’re going to have to deal with that as his teammates. But in terms of where I am with my life outside of this, I stay rooted in my decision. And that’s just what it is.”
“It’s not going to be swayed just because of one thing in this NBA life,” he continued. “That somehow it’s brought to my attention as being more important than what’s going on in the real world. It’s just not happening for me. Again, I respect everyone else’s decision, I’m not going to ever try to convince anyone of anything or any of that, I’m just standing rooted in what I believe in. And though we’re dealing with this right now with Kev, I just know that I’m protected by the organization, I’m protected by my teammates, I’m protected by all the doctors I’ve talked to. And I just stand rooted.”
Irving also explained that he’s bothered by the fact that his decision is often tied to his profession and not his personal life.
“You’re bringing my vaccination status into a basketball game, and I live my life, the majority of the time, when I’m away from this. So when I say I’m not getting vaccinated and I’m making a choice with my life, somehow it gets mixed into, ‘Well, what about the basketball?'” said the baller. “When it’s like no, bro. We live in a real world. It’s great to be able to do this. I’m grateful for the opportunity. I love being with my teammates. I love playing on the Nets, but I’ve already been away enough time to think about this, to process it, to be able to make this decision, stand strong, understand that people are gonna agree and some people are gonna disagree.”
Irving recently made his return to the court after initially being prohibited from practicing or playing with his fellow teammates. Following a few COVID-19 diagnoses and injuries on the Brooklyn team, he is back as a part-time player. He is still, however, banned from playing home games because of New York’s vaccine mandate.
Legendary Songstress Roberta Flack Recovers from Breakthrough COVID-19 Infection
Music icon Roberta Flack is the latest vaccinated and boosted individual to catch a COVID-19 breakthrough infection, and the singer credits the experimental drug cocktails for saving her life.
In a statement shared on social media, she said, “I tested in early January and was told, ‘COVID-19 Positive.’ However, the vaccines and booster worked and protected me from severe illness or hospitalization. Instead, I was ill with fatigue, fever, and slight congestion. I stayed home to rest and recover. Today I feel much better. I am at home and isolating until I retest and receive a negative test this week. I can testify: vaccines and boosters work. If you are not vaccinated, please do so. They likely saved my life.”
Meanwhile, according to a preliminary study in Israel, even a fourth shot of a COVID-19 vaccine is “not good enough” to prevent the Omicron variant.
In related news, last summer, Flack released a special 50th Anniversary version of two of her iconic albums. Per Soul Tracks, her second and third albums, Chapter Two (1970) and Quiet Fire (1971) were re-released on June 25, both remastered and expanded as digital and vinyl editions.
Per the outlet, both albums feature six unreleased tracks of songs penned by iconic singer/songwriters such as Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and Leon Russell.
Both albums were released before Roberta skyrocketed to fame after Clint Eastwood used her song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” in his film “Play Misty For Me.” The track earned Flack the Record of the Year GRAMMY Award.
The songstress was included in the inaugural inductees to the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame in June.
In 2018, Flack received the Clark and Gwen Terry Courage Award from the Jazz Foundation of America and in 2017 was presented with the Town Hall Friend of the Arts Award.
R. Kelly May Need New Attorneys As 2 Lawyers Exit Sex Trafficking Case
R. Kelly is on the hunt for new legal representation. Two attorneys representing the embattled R&B legend have filed to be removed from the case. The singer had hired a battery of lawyers to deal with his mounting legal issues ranging from racketeering to sex trafficking and child pornography while new charges continued to crop up.
Even with a big legal team, R. Kelly was found guilty by a federal jury on nine counts of racketeering, sex trafficking, violating the Mann Act last year in New York. It was a big loss for the R&B singer who has maintained his innocence.
Despite that, more trouble is looming as he is now facing federal child pornography charges in Chicago. The trial for his matter is expected to begin in August of this year but will have two fewer lawyers.
On Tuesday, CBS News reported that attorneys Steve Greenberg and Michael Leonard have filed to be removed from the case.
Greenberg confirmed that a motion was filed on Friday after speculations last week. This is the second time Greenberg and Leonard are filing to remove themselves from the case. Last year right before his New York racketeering case began, both attorneys filed motions to withdraw.
Greenberg later disclosed that “[R. Kelly was] insistent that we work with people who we felt would be rendering ineffective assistance as counsel.”
The outcome of the motion has not been shared as yet.
In the meantime, while looking for new lawyers, R. Kelly is facing the charges in Chicago for obstruction of justice and producing child pornography. He is also simultaneously waiting on his sentencing in New York, where he is facing a minimum of 10 years in jail or maximum life imprisonment.
Epix Renews ‘Godfather Of Harlem’ For Season 3
*Epix has renewed “Godfather of Harlem” for a 10-episode third season.
Per the network’s press release, the Forest Whitaker-led crime drama tells a story inspired by infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from eleven years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X – catching Malcolm’s political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart.
Created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, “Godfather of Harlem” is scheduled to begin production on Season 3 in New York this summer.
The renewal follows the record-breaking second season, Epix’s best-performing season of all time, per the report.
Via Deadline: Season 3 will find Bumpy Johnson continuing to battle for control of Harlem, with other aspirants to the throne, namely the Cuban Mafia from neighboring Spanish Harlem. Taking on the Cuban mob will put Bumpy, his loved ones, and his community in the crosshairs of not only the rival Italians, but ruthless Latin assassins and, ultimately, the CIA. Godfather of Harlem is a collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.
“Godfather of Harlem is that rare show that is both addictively entertaining, and deeply relevant,” said Michael Wright, president of Epix. “Forest Whitaker, Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein have crafted a series that deserves all the acclaim it has received, and it grows more compelling every season.”
“I’m thrilled to be returning to my show, working alongside our truly incredible cast, crew, and writers, as we tell this unique and powerful story. I can’t wait to get back to set, and thank Michael Wright, Epix, ABC Signature, and our dedicated fans for their support” said Whitaker.
“We’re thrilled to bring this extraordinary group of artists back together for season three of Godfather of Harlem,” said Jonnie Davis, President, ABC Signature. “Forest Whitaker’s Bumpy Johnson is one of television’s great antiheroes and we can’t wait to see what the
The season 3 cast includes Vincent D’Onofrio, Ilfenesh Hadera, Nigél Thatch, Lucy Fry, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy and Giancarlo Esposito.
‘Ellen’s Game of Games’ Canceled After 4 Seasons by NBC
NBC is canceling “Ellen’s Game of Games” after four seasons, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap.
The show aired its last episode in May of last year.
The cancellation of the primetime game show comes as DeGeneres is preparing to end her daytime talk show “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” this spring, which airs mostly on NBC-owned and affiliated stations.
The hour-long “Game of Games” was hosted and executive produced by DeGeneres and featured elongated versions of popular bits from her daytime show.
The show had been a reliable performer for NBC and had seen increased episode orders each season. It debuted in 2017 with an eight-episode order and its now-final season finished with 20 episodes. “Game of Games” had suffered steep ratings drops as it moved to Sunday nights. Similarly, DeGeneres’ daytime talk show is ending amid a cloud of accusations of a toxic workplace and declining ratings as well.
“Ellen’s Game of Games” was produced by Warner Horizon Unscripted and Alternative Television in association with Telepictures and A Very Good Production. DeGeneres, Kevin A. Leman II, Mary Connelly, Ed Glavin, Andy Lassner, Derek Westervelt, Daniel Norris, Noah Bonnett and Jeff Kleeman are executive producers.
Deadline was first to report on “Game of Games” getting canceled.
Pete Davidson Hires Extra Security Following Kanye West Threat
Pete Davidson is beefing up security in the wake of Kanye West’s threat.
A new report claims that the “SNL” star has hired extra security after Ye threatened to beat him up on his new collaboration with The Game.
“God saved me from that crash / Just so I can beat Pete Davidson’s ass,” Ye raps on “Eazy,” while his new girlfriend Julia Fox reportedly provides the ad lib, “Who?”
“Pete isn’t worried about Kanye, but he is concerned about the massive fanbase that Kanye has. His devoted followers listen to his songs and act upon them. That’s why Pete is now using security,” a source tells Radar Online.
Pete and Kim Kardashian’s relationship has been heating up in the wake of Kim and Ye’s pending divorce, and Pete isn’t taking any chances.
“Whenever he is out with Kim, they use her security. But now Pete needs his own security when he is out alone,” says a source. “He is still Pete, but now Pete comes with a 6’1, 220 lbs security guard.”
Pete had to hire additional security once he started dating the Skims mogul. “Until recently Pete never had security with him when he was out and about, even when he was engaged to Ariana Grande. But dating Kim [Kardashian] is a totally different level of fame,” adds the source. “Pete is now a superstar, which comes with a price. As much as he still wants to be low-key and hang with his friends, the reality of his situation has changed.”
Pete’s decision to beef up his security comes after Ye claimed that Kim’s security wouldn’t let him inside her house to see their kids because Pete was inside, which Kim has denied.
Ye also called out the Kardashians for not giving him the address to his daughter Chicago’s 4th birthday party. However, he later made it to the party thanks to Travis Scott. Kim chalked it up to a miscommunication, explaining that they were supposed to throw separate parties for Chicago.
Atlanta Restaurant Denies ‘Androgynous’ Woman Service for ‘Not Dressing Their Gender’
*An Atlanta restaurant is being accused of trans discrimination after video of the manager denying a woman service over the way she was dressed went viral.
TikTok user @pakozolanski, who identifies as androgynous, wore a skirt to The Monticello in Atlanta on January 14th to celebrate her friend’s birthday, and was refused entry over her attire.
The manager says in the clip, “Let me explain, if you go to some places, they say we can deny service to anyone. We are not denying him service. What we’re saying is he must dress his gender. If he dresses his gender, he is more than welcome to go inside.”
As Zolanksi and the rest of the party stood shocked outside the restaurant, the woman filming is heard saying: “This is not acceptable. As a trans human being in America, he cannot go to Monticello.”
Per International Business Times, Zolanski explained that she and seven other friends reserved a table and paid for bottle service for the birthday celebration, but she was the last to arrive as she got off late at work. Zolanski said the restaurant asked for her identification at the door, which she provided. However, management refused her entry, saying she didn’t look like the person on the ID card. She said she was then told to dress like a man.
When the restaurant owner was called to the door, he said that dressing according to one’s birth gender was “their policy.” Zolanski said she and the entire party decided to walk out and were not even given a refund for the bottle service they paid for. Zolanski is planning to take legal action against The Monticello and one of her friends has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for the fight.
Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard in $68.7 Billion All-Cash Deal
Microsoft is about to buy Activision Blizzard in a $68.7 billion all-cash deal.
On Tuesday, Microsoft announced it purchased the video game holding company in a whopping $68.7 billion all-cash deal. The news comes after the company made headlines over the past few months after some of the company’s executives were accused of sexual misconduct and harassment. NBC News reports that dozens of Activision execs were terminated following an investigation.
Despite being called out and asked to resign, Activision Bobby Kotick will stay on as the company’s CEO. He will reportedly answer to Microsoft’s Xbox superior Phil Spencer.
Microsoft may now be over some of Activision’s most well-known games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Call of Duty, Candy Crush, World of Warcraft and more.
According to CNBC, shares for Microsoft dropped by more than 2 percent after the announcement.
Major Airlines Warn Against AT&T, Verizon 5G Rollout; Says Service Could Be ‘Catastrophic’ For Aviation Industry
The launch of a new 5G service could be “catastrophic” for the aviation industry, top airlines companies say.
On Wednesday, telecommunications companies AT&T and Verizon plan to roll out a new C-Band 5G service, a radio frequency band between 3.7 and 4.2GHz. The C-band would cover gaps in the companies’ 5G networks that fall between millimeter-wave, resulting in higher speeds to smaller cities and areas.
But, on Tuesday, major airlines wrote a letter to the United States Transportation and economic officials warning that the 5G signals could jeopardize safety equipment airline pilots need in order to take off and land in inclement weather, NBC News reports.
“Tens of thousands of Americans” could be left stranded overseas, the letter reads. It added that the 5G launch could lead to grounded flights, as airlines are already struggling with flight cancellations in the midst of staff shortages and the COVID-19 surge.
“Unless our major hubs are cleared to fly, the vast majority of the traveling and shipping public will essentially be grounded,” they said in the letter, which was signed by major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Jet Blue, United Airlines and more. UPS and FedEx also signed the letter. “Immediate intervention is needed to avoid significant operational disruption to air passengers, shippers, supply chain and delivery of needed medical supplies,” the letter said. It continued on, saying: “To be blunt, the nation’s commerce will grind to a halt.”
Louisiana Senate Candidate Gary Chambers Calls for Marijuana Legalization While Smoking Blunt in Campaign Ad
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Gary Chambers of Louisiana is advocating for the legalization of marijuana.
In a new campaign ad titled “37 Seconds,” Chambers, a 36-year-old progressive community activist from Baton Rouge, LA, is seen smoking a blunt in a leather chair in the middle of a field while listing statistics about marijuana incarceration rates and how Black people are disproportionately impacted.
My first campaign ad, ‘37 Seconds.’ #JustLikeMe
I hope this ad works to not only destigmatize the use of marijuana, but also forces a new conversation that creates the pathway to legalize this beneficial drug, and forgive those who were arrested due to outdated ideology. pic.twitter.com/G0qKvmUGKD
“Every 37 seconds, someone is arrested for possession of marijuana,” Chambers says in the clip. “Since 2010, state and local police have arrested an estimated 7.3 million Americans for violating marijuana laws — over half of all drug arrests. Black people are four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana laws than white people.”
Chambers also took to Twitter on Tuesday to promote the new campaign ad.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
SOME NUTS FOR THE SQUIRREL
This time though, it’s not an alligator, a lemur, or a disguised dog, it’s a freaking squirrel!
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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